Republicans in the new Iowa Senate District 3 will face a contested primary election ballot next June.

Anthony LaBruna, of Storm Lake, announced his candidacy in the new district on Dec. 1. He most recently served as former President Donald Trump's White House Liaison to the United States Department of Commerce, where he worked alongside senior policy personnel to advance Trump's "America First" initiatives in a variety of governmental agencies and departments.

LaBruna pointed to his former boss' successor in the White House as one of his reasons for running.

"America is on the wrong track; our community is being neglected by this administration and its ineffectual policies," he said in a news release. "I have represented the Fourth Congressional District of Iowa for many years, serving the needs of everyday Iowans on the local, state and federal levels. I plan to continue this pattern of service in Des Moines."

Prior to his stint in Washington D.C., LaBruna worked for former Fourth District Rep. Steve King. During this time, he worked to ensure veterans receive health benefits, acted as a resource for small business owners, and made sure Iowa's agriculture policies provided the highest return on farmers' goods.

He also clerked in the Iowa legislature for three years, focusing most of his time on safeguarding First Amendment rights, easing regulations on farmers and small businesses, and promoting public safety initiatives. He said he will bring a fresh perspective to the state as "status quo Republicans have been unsuccessful at solving critical issues such as education reform, creeping inflation and weakened borders throughout Iowa."

"I know what it will take to keep Iowa moving in the right direction," he said. "I care deeply about my community and everyone in this great state. I'm ready to fight for conservative values and fundamental freedoms for our community and the generations to come."

Internet accessibility, agriculture and economic development will also be some of LaBruna's top priorities if elected.

LaBruna joins former Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn superintendent Lynn Evans, of Aurelia, in the race for the GOP's nomination in District 3, which was formed during decennial redistricting this year. It includes all of Osceola, O'Brien and Buena Vista counties, as well as parts of Cherokee and Clay counties. No sitting state senators currently reside within its boundaries.

The primary election will take place on June 7, 2022.